(Courtesy: IG/ @opseusefpo & @fordnationdougford)
Doug Ford’s annual Ford Fest barbecue in Scarborough was interrupted by chants, boos and demonstrations Friday as multiple protest groups made their presence felt during the premier’s speech.
Ford Fest took over Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough on Friday. The annual event brings together Ford, Progressive Conservative supporters, and local residents for an evening of free food and entertainment.
This year’s gathering, however, was interrupted by multiple protest groups, including striking workers from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), members of the Scarborough Environmental Association, and supporters of Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Several videos posted to social media show protesters chanting over Ford as he attempted to speak, effectively drowning out portions of his address. Chants of “fair wages” and loud booing were heard throughout the crowd.
According to OPSEU, more than 850 workers attended the event to push the government to fund community, health, and social services. In a news release, the union said workers have been “dodged” by Ford and his MPPs for a month and denied meetings.
“When Ford looked out from his stage, he was met by a sea of striking workers in purple shirts, impossible to ignore, refusing to back down from the fight for the future of the services our communities rely on,” the union said.
Despite the disruptions, Ford continued his remarks and completed his speech, though parts were difficult to hear over the noise from protesters.
Some groups had publicly announced plans in advance to attend and demonstrate at the event.
After concluding his speech, Ford quickly exited the venue, with media reports suggesting staff attributed the departure to safety concerns.
Despite the disruption, Ford later took to social media to praise the event, calling it a success.
“Ford Fest in Scarborough was an incredible evening spent with friends, families and supporters from across Ontario! Thank you to everyone who came and helped make it such a success,” Ford wrote.
Byelection looms in Scarborough Southwest
The event came ahead of a key provincial by-election in Scarborough Southwest. The Ontario NDP and Ontario Liberals have selected candidates, while the Progressive Conservatives have yet to announce theirs.
The race was triggered by the resignation of former NDP MPP Doly Begum and must be called by Aug. 5.
The Ontario NDP has nominated Fatima Shaban as its candidate, while the Ontario Liberals have selected Ahsanul Hafiz.
The Progressive Conservatives have yet to announce their candidate.
With protesters making headlines at Ford Fest and a by-election on the horizon, the political spotlight is on Scarborough Southwest.
